Nursery Manager in Ipswich

Set within 200 acres of Suffolk countryside, the Royal Hospital School is a beacon of educational excellence. A co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18, RHS provides a broad and balanced education within a distinctive and supportive environment. Rooted in its rich naval heritage, RHS has evolved into a progressive and innovative school, equipping pupils with the skills, confidence and character needed to thrive in the 21st century.

We are currently looking to appoint a Nursery Manager to lead our new nursery at Royal Hospital School. Our new nursery will be based in its own purpose-designed space within the beautiful school grounds, providing a nurturing environment for our youngest pupils. We believe that for children to become successful learners, they need to feel happy, safe and secure in their everyday learning world.

We are looking for a Nursery Manager who can be influential in the implementation and development of our new nursery at Royal Hospital School at this exciting time. Linking with the school you will play a key role in the development of our pupils, ensuring a happy and successful start to their education journey. Prior nursery manager experience is essential for this role. You will be heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the nursery as well as financial operations, recruitment, training and development of staff.

We are looking for a fantastic nursery manager who can:

• demonstrate excellent practice in delivering the early years curriculum
• promote the values of the nursery to all staff, parents and children
• develop and maintain excellent working relationships with all staff
• maintain accurate records including occupancy to ensure growth and development
• train and develop all staff to fulfil their potential

As our Nursery Manager you should be passionate about all areas of children’s learning. You should demonstrate the following qualifications and experiences:

• Full and relevant Level 5 Childcare qualification (NVQ5, EYTS, QTS, B.Ed. or above)
• Have vast experience within a childcare setting
• Great passion for child development and a good working knowledge of the EYFS 0-5 years
• Experience of working in a management role, mentoring and leading staff
• Excellent knowledge of the EYFS and Ofsted statutory guidance
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding
• Knowledge and proven practical experience of implementing good quality learning opportunities
• Ability to deliver a high standard of childcare
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work productively with pupils, colleagues, parents and outside agencies
• Excellent planning, organising and time management skills
• A fantastic understanding of how a Nursery works
• Excellent communication skills and able to work effectively in a team

As the Nursery Manager at Royal Hospital School, you will play a vitally important role in this excellent nursery. You will be involved and supported by the Inspired Learning Group of schools and Nurseries. With termly manager meetings you will meet and share best practice with other managers. You will have the chance to join our great team and play a key role in delivering a high-quality childcare service to our young children.

As well as joining an outstanding team of colleagues at Royal Hospital School, and as part of the Inspired Learning Group, you will also benefit from:

• Competitive Salary including bonuses
• Annual salary review
• Professional Development and Training opportunities with the prospect of career and salary progression as our business grows
• School fee discount
• Annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays increasing with service
• Pension scheme
• Refer a friend scheme up to £750
• Health cash plan covering 10 healthcare benefits and services such as optical, dental, dental accident, chiropody, therapy treatments and health club concession
• Access to Doctor line from anywhere in the world
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Use of on-site fitness facilities

If you are an experienced manager looking to take on a new and exciting opportunity or a deputy manager looking for progression, this is the role for you.

For more information, please visit our website. If you have any queries, please contact the HR Department by either emailing recruitment@royalhospitalschool.org or calling 01473 326200.

How to apply: Please complete your application by visiting the vacancies page of our website. Please also email a covering letter to recruitment@royalhospitalschool.org.

Closing date: 9am, 1 June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, as applications are received.

Royal Hospital School is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.